August SmerdaRacine- August (Augie/Gus) Smerda, 96, passed away at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Monday, October 8, 2007.August was born in Racine on December 30, 1910 to August and Rose (nee: Jansta) Smerda. He graduated from Racine high school and went on to receive a degree in Mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1933. August married the former Grace Nelson in Racine on September 14, 1935. She preceded him in death on May 22, 1999. Since joining the Racine Yacht Club in 1940, he has become a life member. August worked as a plant engineer at JI Case Company, Chrysler Corp. and Tucker Car Company. He was a Supervisor of Electrical Engineering for Kraft foods until his retirement in 1975. August returned to Racine where he has resided since 1976.He is survived by two daughters and a son in law, Janice (Page) Teichert of Poway, CA and Susan Prouty of San Diego, CA; 1 sister, Rose Zahalka of Bloomfield, KY; other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George Smerda and a sister, Helen Brown.A memorial service for August will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Fleming officiating. A Private family interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials to Lincoln Lutheran of Racine, Hospice Alliance or charity of your choice have been suggested.